Think about it: plastic. Ever bent a plastic utensil until it snapped into? You cant put it back together in its original form. Its two separate pieces, now. Remember the last time you made a large purchase that required the assistance of a salesperson? As long as you were spending money and making them look good, they were your best friends. Just as soon as the sale was complete or you said, “No thanks, I’m just looking around…” their whole attitude changed. You know which ones I am talking about. I’m talking about the ones that are so kind, friendly, helpful, generous, loving, and uplifting one minute, and then without warning, they morph into one that is mean, unfriendly, critical, and selfish. These metamorphoses leave us with our heads spinning and in some cases, our hearts broken. Oftentimes, we have been the one doing the morphing! A little while ago, I was serving and teaching others who were broken. I loved it so much. I was really good at it and I could see the progress that was being made in the lives of those I was ministering to. I took someone under my wing and tried to pour into them how much they were loved and important. I tried to convince them that their past did not define them. I tried to save them. When I no longer could give them what they wanted, nor could I give them what they tried to take from me, they assaulted my integrity and character. They hurt my family. Those of you who truly know me and know my heart, know that my family is my life. You know that my heart is all about helping people. I blew it in this case and didnt see the subtle plan of the devil. I beg for your forgiveness and support. I won’t lie to you…my feelings are still hurt. I am still quite angry about the whole situation. I am resisting the urge to act out, simply because I am human. If I do, I will respond in such a manner that is not uplifting and respectful to God, and I do not want to do that. How can we as individuals prevent ourselves from becoming plastic? How can we respond to those around us that do? First, we must remember who we are. We are God’s creation. We are made in His image. We are commanded to “love thy neighbor as we love ourselves”. We are told, “… that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting mens sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christs behalf: Be reconciled to God.”- 2 Corinthians 5:19-20. It’s not about us, folks. We are Christ’s ambassadors. It says so right there in the Bible. When we behave in such a way that is NOT glorifying to God, we are essentially spitting in His eye as well as the eyes of those around us. Not good at all! Second, when those around us demonstrate relational plasticity, we automatically assume responsibility for the change and try and figure out what we did wrong. Let’s face it, friends; we really are not that important in someone else’s life to effect changes in their attitudes toward us. It’s usually an issue in their character that causes the change towards us. The best thing for us to do in that situation is to just pray for them and wish no ill will to befall them. This is easier said than done, but trust me when I tell you, it makes you feel better doing the right thing. Being angry with them doesn’t bother them a bit. They could care less. I am striving to do the right thing. I will take this beating like a warrior; on my feet with my head held high. Plastic relationships are dangerous. They hurt. Watch for them. Learn from my mistakes.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 17:34:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015